First white fuzz unfurls: A cup of Lapsang Souchong, the whisper of mist and clouds from the mountainside.

Silver fuzz just unfurls: a cup of Lapsang Souchong, the whisper of mist and clouds from the mountainside.

I remember the first time I smelled the aroma of Lapsang Souchong, it was on a rainy evening. It was in a teahouse in Beijing, and the air was filled with an indescribable smoky scent, with a hint of subtle sweetness. The owner told me that was the taste of Lapsang Souchong, its unique soul. At that moment, I felt as if I had traveled through time and space, finding myself in the mountainous region of southern Anhui province, shrouded in swirling mist.

The Origin of Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong: A Gift from the Hearth and Smoke

Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong, originally named "Zheng Shan Zhong," literally means it is produced in the Zheng Shan area of southern Anhui Province, including counties such as Qimen, Taiping, Shidai, and Nanling. Behind its name lies a unique history. In the late Qing Dynasty, the Zheng Shan area suffered a severe outbreak of pests and diseases, resulting in almost no tea harvest. To save the tea industry, local tea farmers imitated the processing techniques of Qimen black tea and, during the final fermentation, smoked the tea leaves in strong pine smoke. This not only killed the insect eggs in the tea but also imparted a unique smoky flavor, thereby forming the distinctive processing method of Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong.

The Story Behind the Name "Zheng Shan": The Inheritance of Craftsmanship

The characters “Zheng Shan” don's simply refer to the origin; they also emphasize the authenticity of the craftsmanship. As time passes, many places have begun to imitate the production methods of Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong, but only in the Zheng Shan region is the strict traditional craftsmanship followed, allowing it to be called “Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong.” This is a protection of the craftsmanship and a commitment to quality.

Lapsang Souchong's Craft: Fire and Artisanry

The production process of Lapsang Souchong is complex and unique, generally divided into steps such as harvesting, withering, rolling, fermentation, smoking, and drying. The smoking process is the most crucial step of Lapsang Souchong, and also the most difficult to master. Tea farmers need to control the size and concentration of the pine smoke based on factors such as weather, temperature, and humidity, allowing the tea leaves to fully absorb the smoky aroma without developing a burnt taste.

Selection of Incense: Nature's Gift

The choice of pine smoke is also crucial. Authentic Lapsang Souchong must use pine smoke produced by burning local pine trees. This pine smoke is naturally pure and contains rich plant essential oils, which can bring unique aroma and taste to the tea. Inferior pine smoke, on the other hand, will bring a pungent odor and rough taste, seriously affecting the quality of the tea.

Enjoying Lapsang Souchong: A Sensory Feast

Brewing Lapsang Souchong also requires some technique. The water temperature should not be too high, preferably around 90°C. During brewing, a high-pouring method can be used to allow the tea leaves to fully expand and release their aroma. When tasting, you first feel the unique smoky aroma, followed by the sweetness of flowers and fruits, and the richness of wood. After entering the mouth, the tea soup is smooth and mellow, with a long-lasting sweetness, and a sweet aftertaste.

The Joy of Tasting: Feeling the Whisper of Smoke

The charm of Lapsang Souchong lies not only in its taste, but also in the tranquility and peace it brings. In the fast-paced modern life, enjoying a cup of Lapsang Souchong is like being in the mountains, feeling the breath of nature, and cleansing the dust of the soul.

Tips for Beginners:

• Choose authentic tea: When purchasing, try to choose reputable tea merchants and pay attention to the origin label on the packaging.
• Control the water temperature: Water that is too hot can easily damage the aroma in the tea leaves and affect the taste.
• Master the brewing technique: You can try different brewing methods to find the one that best suits you.
• Slow down: Tea drinking is an enjoyment, don't be in a hurry, slowly savor the intricacies.

Lapsang Souchong is more than just a tea; it's a cultural heritage and a way of life. We hope this article helps you better understand Lapsang Souchong and experience its unique charm. Next time you have the opportunity, why not try a cup of Lapsang Souchong and feel the whisper of the mist and clouds.